Asda's Spindler soars to new heights

ANGELA Spindler has been promoted to one of the top jobs in British retailing - trading and marketing director of Asda/Wal-Mart.

Spindler, 40, will combine the role with bringing up her two children. She fills the vacuum left by Richard Baker, who is joining Boots as chief executive.

She aims to revolutionise Asda's Extra Special premium food range - a departure from the retailer's traditional focus on lowest-price food. The range will be expanded from 250 to 800 lines by the end of the year. Spindler said: 'I'm passionate about food development and innovation.'

She will ensure trading remains on track while Asda is embroiled in the bid battle for Safeway, insisting: 'There has been no eye off the ball during the Competition inquiry.'

Spindler studied psychology at Manchester University before joining Cadbury Schweppes on a graduate traineeship. She worked at Mars and Coca-Cola before joining Asda five years ago.